Africa Kenya Lake Vacation Naivasha: Top lake vacation in Kenya

Lake Naivasha  Kenya sights

Crater Lake Game Sanctuary
Surrounding a beautiful volcanic Crater Lake, on the western side of Lake Naivasha and north of the village of Kongoni, is this small sanctuary, with many trails including one for hikers along the steep but diminutive crater rim. Besides the impressive 150 bird species recorded here, giraffes, zebra and other plains wildlife are also regular residents. While walking, remember that buffaloes lurk in the woods. The tiny jade-green Crater Lake is held in high regard by the local Masai, who even believe its water helps soothe ailing cattle.

Crescent Island Wildlife Sanctuary
The protruding rim of a collapsed volcanic crater forms this island on the eastern side of Lake Naivasha. It’s a private sanctuary, where you can walk beneath yellow-barked acacias (yellow fever trees) in search of giraffes. Thompson’s and grant’s gazelles, elands, waterbucks and countless bird species. Oh, and there are some rather gigantic pythons too!

Almost all accommodation options rent boats for island trips (around 2500 per hour).The best is hippo safaris as they charge a flat rate of Kshs 2000 per boat, which includes waiting time. It’s technically possible to drive here a long a small causeway, but the land owner is now charging extortionate fees for crossing his property.

Elsamere Conservation Centre
A couple of  Kilometers past Fisherman’s camp on Moi South Lake Rd you’ll  find Elsamere conservation centre, the former home of the late Joy Adamson of Born free fame. She bought the house in 1967 with a view to retiring here with her husband George. Adamson did much of her writing from Elsamere right up until her murder in 1980.

Now a conservation centre focused on lake ecology and environmental awareness programs, the site is open to the public and entry includes afternoon tea on the lawn (with a chance to see eastern black-and-white colobus monkeys), a visit to the memorial room and a showing of the weathered 40-minute Joy Adamson story.

Book ahead for a meal-Lunch costs KSHS 650/800 on weekdays/weekends, and dinner is Kshs 1000-and you can visit the centre for free.

Getting there
Frequent Matatus (public transport vehicles) Kshs 80, one hour, run along Moi south Lake Rd between Naivasha town and Kongoni on the lake’s Western side, passing the turn-offs to hells gate National Park and Fisherman’s Camp. It’s a 5km walk from Kongoni to Crater Lake, but don’t do this alone as there have been recent muggings.

There is one daily matatu along Moi North Lake Rd. leaving from the Total petrol station in Naivasha around 3pm. returning to town you’ll need to be on the road by about 7am, otherwise it’s a long dusty walk.

Getting around
Most budget and mid range accommodations options rent reasonable boats for lake trips (Kshs 2500 per hour). Top-end lodges charge between Kshs 3000 and Kshs 4000 per hour for similar rides.

If you’d like to row your boat, Fisherman’s lodge can help you out (Kshs 300 per hour)

Most sites also hire mountain bikes; Fisherman’s camp and Fish eagle Inn both charge Kshs 500 per day. You’ll find cheaper rides at various places sign posted off Moi South Lake Rd, but check the contraptions carefully before paying.

Robert is a travel expert with Landmarksafaris.com. He has authored more than 1000 articles on Africa Kenya vacation travel. Learn more of Naivasha lake vacation safaris here